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Vivobarefoot uses several tread profiles on their shoes, so I will just help simplify the selection and help you find out which is best!
Table of Contents
Vivobarefoot Grip Comparison Table
| Model | Tread Type | Best For | Key Features | Tread Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FG | Firm Ground | Trail running, hiking on hard surfaces | Versatile tread with decent grip on dry terrain | 3-4 mm |
| SG | Soft Ground | Muddy, slippery conditions | Aggressive lugs for enhanced traction in soft ground | 5-6 mm |
| ESC | ESC | Extreme conditions (mud, water) | Specialized for deep mud and wet trails | 6-7 mm |
| AT | All-Terrain | Versatile use on mixed terrains | Balanced grip for various surfaces | 4-5 mm |
| Lite | Lite | Casual wear and light activities | Lightweight design with minimal tread | 2-3 mm |
Firm Ground (FG)
Shoes that use the FG tread: Primus Trail, Magna FG,
The standard you’ll find on their trail-ready shoes – the most popular being the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III FG.
The FG tread is designed for general use on firm surfaces like packed dirt or rocky trails. It features a balanced tread pattern that provides adequate grip while maintaining flexibility.
And, in my opinion, it’s my favourite. It offers a very good amount of grip in all conditions and in all directions. It is a relatively soft rubber which I find has a maximum lifespan of 1-2 years of every-day use when used trail running, hiking, biking, etc.
I found the FG tread is the best for gripping onto MTB platform pedals compared to all other models. Not as good as dedicated 510 MTB shoes, but pretty darn awesome!
Though, it does not do as well in soft, muddy, or snowy conditions as it doesn’t quite have the tread depth. For that I recommend reading on.
Check out my Vivobarefoot Primus Trail review for more detailed thoughts on the performance
My ideal use-case: Multi-sport, hiking, biking, daily use.
Soft Ground (SG)
Shoes that use the SG tread: Tracker Winter II SG, Primus Trail SG, Magna Lite WR SG, etc…
The SG tread excels in muddy and slippery environments, utilising deep, aggressive lugs that dig into soft surfaces to prevent slipping. This model is particularly favoured for trail running in wet conditions, as it offers superior traction compared to the FG.
However, it may not perform as well on hard surfaces due to its specialised design as you have less surface-area when contacting the ground.
Too, the softer material and shape has it wearing out even quicker on paved/hard surfaces. You also lose out on some of the barefoot tactile sensation due to the higher treat height.
As a result, I would only recommend these if you’re spending the majority of the time on grassy, muddy, snowy, or natural surfaces.
My ideal use-case: Snowy, muddy, or sloggy conditions.
ESC
Shoes that use the ESC tread: Hydra ESC, Tracker Forest ESC, Tundra ESC, etc…
The ESC model is co-designed with Michelin, and tailored for more gnarly conditions such as deep mud and water. Its unique tread pattern is optimised for maximum grip in challenging environments, making it suitable for competitive athletes or those engaging in rigorous outdoor activities. However, it does sacrifice some ground feel compared to other models.
I found them to give more grip than the FG tread when in a 1:1 comparison while sprinting and turning on an artificial turf field – this is especially relevant for those playing soccer, football, baseball, or sports on artificial turf or grass.
I found they don’t grip so well on mountain bike pedals like the FG tread does.
Check my video for the Vivobarefoot FG vs ESC grip comparison!
My ideal use-case: intense hiking and high-speed sports.
All-Terrain (AT)
Shoes that use the AT tread: Tracker Decon, Explorer, Tracker AT Moc, etc…
The AT tread is designed to handle a variety of terrains effectively. It strikes a balance between grip, wear, and comfort, making it ideal for those who frequently transition between different surfaces during their activities. This model is versatile enough for both trail running and casual wear.
I found it to also last longer than the FG and SG treads and is a good in-between for those who are encountering demanding conditions while hiking and want a longer-wearing tread with good performance. They also do good for multi-sport, but the shoes with the AT tread are all designed around their heavier models, which rules out the use for agile sports.
The barefoot-feeling is a bit less than with the FG outsole, so if that’s critical, choose those! Otherwise, they both perform quite similarly.
Read my Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon review for more info on how the AT tread performs!
My ideal use-case: intense hiking.
Lite
Shoes that use the Lite tread:
The Lite models focus on lightweight construction and minimal tread. It’s best suited for casual use rather than rigorous outdoor activities. While it provides excellent flexibility and breathability, it lacks the aggressive grip found in other models, making it less ideal for challenging terrains.
This however is ideal for indoor sports on a flat surface or simple road-running, as the treat will be much slower to wear down and also provides the most barefoot-feeling of them all.
Though, they don’t do so great while trail running even on relatively simple trails.
Read my Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III knit review for more thoughts on the Lite tread!
My ideal use-case: Indoor sports, road running, daily use.
Other treads
Vivobarefoot has experimented with other tread patterns on some of their shoes like on the Motus Strength or Ababa – generally these are for indoor or firm-ground use on even surfaces. I wouldn’t put too much thought into this as they are generally made for all-around daily use but won’t perfect as desired on off-road conditions.
Vs Vibram, Xero, etc.
I found almost unanimously that the Vivobarefoot models have a softer, more grippy tread than those found on Xero shoes – that makes them less hardy to wear however. This is usually the case with rubber when it comes to footwear, car tires, bike tires, etc.
Vibram has been known for their excellent outsoles used across many manufacturers for extreme use-cases, and I find that Vivobarefoot models can compete neck and neck with them. As long as you choose the right tool for the job, you can’t go wrong.
Conclusion
They all have their use-cases and ideal circumstances, but here’s a simplified list to help you choose:
- For trail running or hiking on hard surfaces, the FG is recommended.
- For snowy or muddy conditions, opt for the SG.
- If facing extreme terrains, consider the ESC.
- For a mix of activities across varied terrains, the AT offers versatility.
- For everyday casual wear or flat-surface sports with a lightweight feel, go with the Lite.
Each model has its strengths tailored to different environments, ensuring that there’s a suitable option for every type of adventure.
Check out my ultimate Vivobarefoot buyers guide to see my current top picks! Questions? Leave them down below! Peace 🙂